[Economist: Bank of Japan Expected to Raise Interest Rates Quarterly Until Reaching Neutral Level] EFG International economist Sam Jochim stated in a commentary that as the underlying inflation rate approaches 2%, the Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates approximately once every three months in the future. He believes the next rate adjustment will be a hike, and the tightening cycle will continue until rates reach the neutral level as defined by the Bank of Japan.